Catalogue description Department of Health and Social Security: Attendance Allowance: Representative Case Papers

Attendance allowance was a tax-free, non-contributory, cash benefit available for persons who were so severely disabled (mentally or physically) that they needed frequent attention, whether or not they received such attention.

The allowance was introduced in December 1971 under the National Insurance (Old Persons' and Widows' Pensions and Attendance Allowance) Act 1970. The governing legislation in operation was the Social Security Act 1975 and the Social Security (Attendance Allowance) Amendment (No 2) Regulations SI 1979/1684.

To make a claim, a form was completed by the claimant and sent to a regional office of the Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS). The DHSS arranged for a doctor to visit the claimant to carry out a medical examination. The examination report was then referred to a delegated medical practitioner who acted on behalf of the Attendance Allowance Board, and who decides if a certificate can be awarded.

To qualify for payment, the medical conditions had to be satisfied for a period of six months. Anyone aged 2 years or over could claim entitlement to the allowance. The claimant had to be ordinarily resident in the UK.

Awards were made at the North Fylde Central Offices of the DHSS, Norcross, Lancs. There were two rates of payment, depending on the amount of attention required.